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Ear Eczema 101: Uncovering the Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

What is Ear Eczema?

Ear eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, appears as dry, flaky, red, or itchy skin on, around, or inside your ear. It’s not contagious, and there are treatments to reduce the risk of infection or inflammation.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Ear eczema can affect the outside of the ear, inside the ear canal, the area behind the ear, and the crease where your ears are attached. Mild to moderate symptoms include:

• Dry, scaly skin
• Redness and itching

More serious symptoms include:

• Swollen, cracked, and sensitive skin
• Oozing, bleeding, or crusting of cracked skin

The Causes of Ear Eczema

Doctors and researchers haven’t determined the exact cause of eczema yet. One possible factor may be a gene mutation that creates a protective barrier on the skin, increasing skin vulnerability. Atopic dermatitis is essentially due to a dysfunctional immune system.

Four Major Causes of Ear Eczema

1. Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Occurs when your ear comes into contact with an allergen such as perfumes, nickel, or antibiotic creams.
2. Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Occurs when your ear comes into direct contact with an irritant such as harsh chemicals or cleaning products.
3. Asteatotic Eczema: Typically shows up when humidity levels are low, such as in heated indoor spaces.
4. Seborrheic Eczema: Occurs on the oilier parts of the body, like your scalp and the skin behind your ears, and is related to a yeast overgrowth.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors can usually figure out the cause of your ear eczema from a physical exam and history. Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

• Avoiding certain ingredients or materials
• Antifungal cream or shampoo for seborrheic eczema
• Topical steroid to reduce inflammation
• Staying moisturized with eczema-safe products
• Colloidal oatmeal lotion, prescription antifungal creams, steroids, or barrier creams
• Systemic medications to reduce the immune system’s trigger response
• Phototherapy, where UVB light is used on affected areas

Be on the Lookout for Signs of Infection

Cracked and bleeding skin from dryness or itching increases your risk for infection. If ear eczema becomes infected, wax, hair, and skin may build up in your ear canal leading to ear infections and impaired hearing.

The Bottom Line

If it’s your first time experiencing ear eczema, or if symptoms are severe, it’s best to see your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis. The good news is that ear eczema is usually easy enough to treat with lifestyle changes and home remedies, and it should clear up without any long-term effects.